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Nominations for Sinn Féin Leadership open today – Ard Fheis to take place on February 10th - Declan Kearney MLA

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA announced today that the Special Ard Fheis to elect a new Uachtarán Shinn Féin will take place on February 10th and that the nomination process opens this morning. (Monday 8th of January).

Speaking today, Mr Kearney said;

"At our recent Ard Fheis Gerry Adams requested that the incoming Ard Chomhairle meet to organise a special Ard Fheis in the new year to elect a new Uachtarán Shinn Féin.

“The special Ard Fheis is now set for Saturday 10th of February in the RDS, Dublin. The nomination process opens today Monday, 8th January and will close on Friday, 19th January.

"Regional debates will be organised for candidates to address party members.

"This is an exciting time for Irish Republicans and part of the process of renewal and regeneration in the party. Sinn Féin wants to build on the political momentum which has resulted in over half a million people voting for our Party, and to deliver, in government, the type of real change which they are demanding.

“2018 will be a challenging year for the Irish people. Meaningful talks to restore the political institutions are urgently required to ensure the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement will be a positive point in the history of our island.

“As we move closer to a General Election in the South a step change is needed. The complete failure of the Irish government to deal with the crises in health and housing is intolerable.

"Sinn Féin with a new leader will face into the next general election offering the electorate an opportunity to elect a new government committed to tackling these crises properly.

"We will also continue to deal with the challenges posed by Brexit and build support for designated special status for the North within the EU, as the only realistic alternative to the British Tory plan to deliver a hard Brexit border.

“We look forward to another historic Ard Fheis and a healthy and democratic campaign to elect the next Uachtarán Shinn Féin.”

ENDS//

Note: The Special Ard Fheis to elect the next Uachtarán Shinn Féin will take place on Saturday 10th February in the RDS, Dublin 4. Nominations for the position will open on Monday 8th January and close at 5pm on 19th January. For a candidate to be nominated they must be a member for a minimum of one year and have renewed their membership for 2018 and have the support of at least ten registered cumainn or two registered comhairle ceantair.